Dead Poet's Society

1989 movie Dead Poet’s Society was directed by Peter Weir, starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Norman Lloyd. Though Roger Ebert gave it only 2 stars, the movie won Academy award for Best Original Screenplay (Tom Schulman) as well as nominations for Best Actor in a leading role (Robin Williams), Best Director and best picture. The movie also won BAFTA for Best Film and Best Original Film Score. Made on a budget of $16.4 million it grossed $235.8 million.

Based on Tom Schulman’s life at the Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, the story is about an English teacher (Robin Williams) at a Vermont Prep School, Welton Academy, who inspires his students through poetry.

I have always enjoyed this movie; if you have not seen it and get a chance do watch it.

Credits: Google etc.

Tom Mix, Ginger Rogers, Natalie Wood and Amelia Island Concours

Hollywood and cars go back to nineteen twenties. It was then cars like Duesenberg’s and Cadillac’s started becoming status symbols. In nineteen fifties starting with the Mercedes Benz 300SL, Mercedes also joined the ranks. Stars not only owned these cars, but these cars starred in the movies as well.

This year at the 17^th Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance, some cars were very prominent with Hollywood connections. Twenties silent movie star Tom Mix’s 1937 Cord , Ginger Roger’s 1929 Model J Duesenberg, Rita Hayworth’s 1953 Cadillac Series 63 Ghia coupe and Natalie Wood’s 1957 Mercedes 300SL roadster.

Tom Mix's 1937 Cord

Tom Mix

Tom died in a car accident driving this Cord in 1940. The cars has changed hands a few times but recently has been restored ground up, by the current owner.  The new owner says “the cars is exactly in the same condition as it was 15 minutes before the accident”.

Tom Mix's 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton

Tom with his Cord

Ginger Rogers' 1929 Duesenberg Model J 

Ginger Rogers

White 1929 Duesenberg Model J convertible was once owned by Ginger Rogers. The car even appeared in Ginger Roger and Fred Astaire’s  movie“ The Gay Divorcee”.

Ginger Rogers' 1929 Duesenberg Model J

Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire and Duesenberg
on "The Gay Divorcee" set

Rita Hayworth's 1953 Cadillac Series 63 Ghia Coupe

Rita Hayworth

Also was there Rita Hayworth’s  1953 Cadillac Series 63 Ghia Coupe. Hayworth’s husband Prince Aly Khan commissioned the famous Italian coach builder Ghi to build this stunning body and mount on a Cadillac frame. 

Rita Hayworth 1953 Cadillac Series 63 Ghia coupe

Natalie Wood's 1957 Mercedes 300SL Roadster

Natalie Wood with her 230SL

 Natalie Wood’s Mercedes 300SL has been completely restored.  The car has been painted Silver with red leather interior (the original factory combination). This is a big change from the color combination the car was in when Natalie Wood drove it. After delivery she got the car painted Pink with lipstick red leather interior.

Natalie Wood 1957 Mercedes 300SL roadster

Credits: google, amelia island concours d' elegance, just a car guy etc

Restoration Hardware Deconstructs

On Saturday got my Restoration Hardware spring 2012 catalog. Out of all the new things I find the “Deconstructed collection” very interesting. I may not want to have a room full of Deconstructed furniture but I think one or two pieces will create a lot of interest by deconstructing a formal atmosphere.

Credits: Restoration hardware